Pregnant women and those over 50 identified as at risk groups.
The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) is urging residents and citizens to get themselves the flu jab as we head towards the winter season.
Under the theme ‘Protecting yourself… protects your community’, the campaign is being organised in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC), the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), and the Emirates Health Services (EHS) and will run until the end of December 2021.
The flu has become a neglected infectious disease, due to the Covid-19 pandemic taking the world by storm! However it is now more crucial than ever to get a flu shot, here are the main reasons why. pic.twitter.com/nsjAD7M7Kw
— SEHA – شركة صحة (@SEHAHealth) October 5, 2021
It is hoped the campaign will encourage members of the public to receive their seasonal flu vaccines and therefore reduce the complication rates and the numbers that are hospitalised due to the sickness.
Target groups of the campaign include pregnant women, those aged 50 and older, patients with chronic diseases, children aged under five and healthcare workers who can receive the vaccine for free.
Those not in the aforementioned groups will have to pay AED 50 to receive the shot.
Speaking to local media services Dr Noura Al Ghaithi, acting executive director of external therapeutic services at the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) said flu vaccines can reduce the risk of severe symptoms.
She said: “While many of us are starting to see life return to normal, it’s important that we stay alert of other viruses, such as seasonal influenza.
“We are urging everybody, particularly those in high-risk groups, to take their flu vaccine this year as this can reduce the risk of severe flu symptoms and lessen the chances of having serious flu-related complications that require hospitalisation.”
The flu vaccine is available across SEHA health centres and Covid-19 drive through service centres throughout the emirate.
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